Appalachian Trail Conference

www.appalachiantrail.org

2014 ATC Ridgerunner and Caretaker Seasonal Employment Information and Application

Application Deadlines Georgia and Great Smoky Mountains National Park: January 6, 2014 All Other Positions: January 31, 2014

The mission of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is to preserve and manage the Appalachian Trail— ensuring that its vast natural beauty and priceless cultural heritage can be shared and enjoyed today, tomorrow, and for centuries to come. ATC was founded in 1925 and is a private nonprofit organization with more than 40,000 members. It is responsible to the federal government for ensuring proper management of the 2,186-mile-long Appalachian National Scenic Trail (known as the A.T.), most of which is located on public lands administered by the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, or agencies of the 14 states through which it passes. ATC assigns sections of the A.T. to 31 Trail-maintaining clubs and provides numerous services to club volunteers. More information about ATC can be found at www.appalachiantrail.org.

THE HIRING PROCESS Highly qualified seasonal employees are recruited each year to serve as Ridgerunners and Caretakers. They may be hired and managed by ATC or by its affiliated clubs or agencies. Complete applications submitted to ATC will be distributed to the program managers of the specific position(s) applied for. Those managers will contact any applicants they want to interview.

We complete the hiring process as soon after the deadlines as possible, however applicants should be aware that hiring for some positions may not be completed until April or early May, especially for positions that start later in the year.

All positions are seasonal and vary in length. Wages vary according to positions and individual qualifications. The pay is competitive, and some positions include housing.

TO APPLY Submit a completed application form, a detailed cover letter (or detailed e-mail message) describing the qualities and skills that make you a good candidate, and two letters of recommendation. The application form begins on page 4 of this packet.

Applications must be complete for consideration. Incomplete applications may be returned!

Applications should be e-mailed (preferred) to [email protected] or mailed to: Appalachian Trail Conservancy 4 E. First Street Boiling Springs, PA 17007

Questions about Ridgerunner/Caretaker positions? E-mail [email protected] or call (717) 258-5771, ext. 203.

2014 ATC Ridgerunner/Caretaker Employment Guide/Application

POSITION DESCRIPTIONS

ATC Ridgerunners and Caretakers provide information about the A.T. and its intended primitive experience, its location, regulations, and traditions. They work to encourage the best behavior on the part of hikers, to facilitate a positive Trail experience (particularly for those who are poorly prepared), and to elicit the support of those who live nearby, but who may not understand or use the Trail properly. They discourage and mitigate misuse of the Appalachian Trail and its environs by performing educational and public-relations functions. Ridgerunners are assigned to hike specific sections of the A.T., while Caretakers remain at specific overnight sites. They must be able to work both independently with minimal supervision and cooperatively as a member of a team. Applicants should demonstrate the interest and ability to contribute to the public-service effort of working on a national scenic trail and to promote volunteerism and membership in ATC and its club affiliates. They should possess the required skills listed below and be able to attend required training. Applicants must demonstrate maturity, responsibility, initiative, and self- motivation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities  Meet and greet the public and educate them about the A.T., ATC, local Trail clubs, local land-owning agencies, and Leave No Trace hiking/camping methods.  Advise visitors and hikers of rules on the A.T. and of NPS, USFS, state, and local regulations.  Perform trail maintenance and pick up litter on the Trail, at camp/shelter sites, and at Trailhead parking areas.  Assist visitors and hikers whenever possible; assist emergency-response agencies when requested.  Report unsafe conditions, misuse, and abuse of the A.T. and its shelters (including vandalism, vagrancy, forest fires, beer and liquor parties, suspicious persons, vehicles, unauthorized hunting, tree cutting, etc.)  Assist local maintaining clubs with their backcountry sanitation-management projects. Maintain privies at A.T. shelters in satisfactory condition.  Maintain a daily log, submit written or e-mailed reports to supervisors at the end of each work period, and submit a written report to ATC at the end of the season detailing highlights, problems, etc.  Maintain regular contact with field supervisors, club volunteers, agency partners, and local officials.

Required Skills  Commitment to Trail- and resource-protection efforts  Proven ability to work alone with minimal supervision  Excellent communication and education skills  Ability to interact with the public under stressful conditions  Extensive backpacking experience

Desired Skills  Knowledge of Leave No Trace principles  Previous A.T. volunteer experience  Knowledge of the Appalachian Trail and ATC  Current first-aid and CPR certification (Wilderness First-Aid certification is preferable)

We anticipate hiring for the following positions in 2014:

Georgia: Two positions: One Ridgerunner—late February through mid-July, possible extended season One Caretaker—Springer Mountain, late February through May

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: National Park Service housing is provided. Current Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccinations are required; these may be provided. One northern Ridgerunner—late February through October One southern Ridgerunner—late February through June One roving Caretaker (Fontana Dam)—late February through June

North Carolina/Tennessee: One Ridgerunner Roan Highlands—May through August; housing not provided

Virginia: One Ridgerunner in each of the following locations: Mount Rogers National Recreation Area—early April through early July; housing provided. Catawba Mountain—April through November, weekends only. Ridgerunner must live locally. Tye River—late April through late July; housing provided Shenandoah National Park—early May through Labor Day Northern Virginia—mid-May through Labor Day

Maryland: Two Ridgerunners/Caretakers One Ridgerunner/Caretaker—early April through late October, housing available One Ridgerunner/Caretaker—mid-May through Labor Day, housing available

Pennsylvania: Three Ridgerunners Cumberland Valley—mid-May through Labor Day, housing available Michaux State Forest—mid-May through Labor Day, housing available Northeast Pennsylvania—mid-May through mid-August/Labor Day

New Jersey: Three Ridgerunners/Caretakers—mid-May through Labor Day, housing available

Connecticut/Massachusetts: Four Ridgerunners/Caretakers—mid-May to Labor Day One Ridgerunner Field Coordinator—May to October The Coordinator will assist in training the four Ridgerunners in Connecticut and southern Massachusetts, developing their schedules, managing the data they collect, conducting field visits, and coordinating and facilitating work projects and group outreach.

Vermont: Two Caretakers, one Ridgerunner—mid-June through mid-October Little Rock Pond—one Caretaker Stratton Pond—one Caretaker Coolidge Range—one Ridgerunner

Maine: Two Caretakers, two Ridgerunners: Horns Pond—one Caretaker, mid-May through mid-October Piazza Rock—one Caretaker, mid-May through mid-September Gulf Hagas—one Ridgerunner, mid-May through mid-October Baxter State Park—one A.T. Steward, mid-July to mid-October

2014 ATC Ridgerunner/Caretaker Application Application Deadlines Georgia and Great Smoky Mountains National Park: January 6, 2014 All Other Positions: January 31, 2014 Application must be complete for consideration. Some positions fill quickly—please submit application as early as possible! Ridgerunners/Caretakers may be employed by ATC or by affiliated Trail clubs or agencies. This form may be used to apply for any of the positions listed. Program managers will contact directly any candidates they want to interview.

Contact Information Name Mailing Address City State Zip Telephone (Day) (Evening) E-mail

Note: We prefer to communicate with you about available ATC positions via e-mail. Please provide an e-mail address that you regularly check. Permanent Address (if different from above) City State Zip Telephone (Day) (Evening)

Interest and Availability Please check the position(s) you are applying for: The following positions are employed directly by ATC: Georgia Ridgerunner/Caretaker Great Smoky Mountains National Park Ridgerunner/Caretaker (NC/TN) Roan Highlands Ridgerunner (NC/TN) Mount Rogers National Recreation Area Ridgerunner (VA) Catawba Mountain Ridgerunner (VA) Tye River Ridgerunner (VA) Cumberland Valley Ridgerunner (PA) ATC recruits for and supports, but does not directly employ, the following positions: Shenandoah National Park Ridgerunner (VA) Northern Virginia Ridgerunner Maryland Ridgerunner/Caretaker Michaux State Forest Ridgerunner (PA) Northeast Pennsylvania Ridgerunner (PA) New Jersey Ridgerunner/Caretaker Connecticut/Massachusetts Ridgerunner/Caretaker Connecticut/Massachusetts Ridgerunner Field Coordinator Coolidge Range Ridgerunner (VT) Little Rock Pond Caretaker (VT) Stratton Pond Caretaker (VT) Horns Pond Caretaker (ME) Piazza Rock Caretaker (ME) Gulf Hagas Ridgerunner (ME) Baxter State Park A.T. Steward (ME) I am interested in any available position. Page 4 2014 ATC Ridgerunner/Caretaker Employment Application

The Ridgerunner/Caretaker field season occurs from late February to November, depending on position. Are you available to begin work at any time during that period? Yes No

If no, indicate dates you are available—please be as accurate and specific as possible! Start date End date

Are you a member of ATC? Yes No

Are you a member of an A.T.-maintaining club? Yes No If yes, which club?

Do you have access to reliable personal transportation? Yes No

Some positions may require use of ATC or agency vehicles. Do you have a valid driver’s license? Yes No

Are you willing to submit to a Department of Motor Vehicles driving record check? Yes No If no, please explain

Education and Training

Education Are you a high school graduate? Yes Graduation Date No

Are you a college graduate? Yes No If yes, degree earned Name of College or University Major/minor concentration

First-Aid Training and CPR Certification—Some positions provide Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR certification during training. Already having first aid (either WFA or Wilderness First Responder) and CPR certifications may be beneficial in some cases. Do you have valid WFA certification? Yes Expiration date: No Do you have valid WFR certification? Yes Expiration date: No Do you have valid CPR certification? Yes Type and exp. date: No

If you answered no, do you expect to have any certifications before the start of the 2014 season? Yes Which one(s)? No

2014 ATC Ridgerunner/Caretaker Employment Application

Leave No Trace (LNT) Training—Providing Leave No Trace education to Trail users is one of the essential functions of this program. Many positions provide Trainer-level training, prior LNT experience may be beneficial for some positions.

Are you an LNT Trainer? Yes No Are you an LNT Master Educator? Yes No

Please describe any Leave No Trace training you've had (when, where, instructor, etc.):

General Questionnaire

Please answer the following questions. Use a separate sheet if needed.

How did you find out about seasonal work with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy?

Why do you want to work for ATC as a Ridgerunner or Caretaker?

What do you hope to get out of the job?

Please describe your personal perspective on LNT principles of outdoor ethics or on similar minimum-impact guidelines:

What special skills do you have to contribute to the job?

Describe any experience that you have communicating with diverse groups of people, public speaking, teaching, etc.

Describe your outdoor experience and your knowledge of the Appalachian Trail.

Describe any employment or volunteer experience where you demonstrated a strong commitment to outdoor education and/or natural-resource stewardship.

As an essential function of these positions, Ridgerunners/Caretakers are required to live in backcountry settings for extended periods of time, traverse terrain that is physically demanding, and have extensive interactions with Trail management partners and general users of the A.T. Please highlight any experience you may have that would prepare you for these conditions and interactions.

Uniform Sizes

Uniforms and/or some equipment may be issued for some positions; however, they may not be provided for every position. You are welcome to provide this information after being selected for a position if you prefer.

Boot size: Waist size: Inseam length: Shirt size (unisex):

Employment History

Please list all full-time or part-time jobs you have held, whether related to this type of work or not, and provide the information requested for each position. Continue on a separate sheet if necessary. Or, attach a résumé detailing work and outdoor experiences.

Dates of Position Title Job Responsibilities Employer Contact Name/ Employment Name Telephone/Email

References

Please submit two letters of reference from nonfamily members (employers or teachers are preferred) along with your application. References should be able to address your ability to successfully meet all of the job requirements as set forth in the job description above, particularly your ability to relate to diverse groups of people, ability to work both independently and in a group setting, and highlighting your outdoor experiences.

Please provide the following information for your references.

Name Relationship Telephone E-mail

Certification

I certify that the information contained in this application is correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that submitting false information is grounds for refusing to hire me, or for discharging me should I be hired.

I authorize any person, organization, or company listed on this application to furnish you any and all information concerning my previous employment, education, and qualifications for employment. I also authorize you to request and receive such information.

In consideration for my employment, I agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the organization, which may be changed, withdrawn, added, or interpreted at any time at the organization’s sole option and without prior notice to me.

I also acknowledge that my employment may be terminated or any offer or acceptance of employment may be withdrawn at any time, with or without cause, and with or without prior notice, at the option of the organization or at my option.

By submitting this application to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and subsequently to its partners and agencies, I authorize these certifications. Typing my name below indicates my signature.

Applicant's Signature ______Date

This completed application form, along with a detailed cover letter and two letters of reference, should be submitted by e-mail (preferred) to [email protected], or mailed to: Appalachian Trail Conservancy 4 E. First Street Boiling Springs, PA 17007

Questions? E-mail [email protected] or call (717) 258-5771 ext. 203.

If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted directly by a program manager for that position.

Applications must be submitted electronically or postmarked by these dates:

January 6, 2014 Positions in Georgia and Great Smoky Mountains National Park January 31, 2014 All other positions